Responses (3)

Do you see a pain specialist? What doctors know about your pain. They haven't suggested anything? I also suffer lower back pain. My GP doesn't want to deal with it so he sent me to a pain specialist. Haven't had the chance to schedule an appt. Will let you know. Are you taking anything for it? Do OTC medications work? Sorry I'm not more help, just wanted to let you know you're not alone.

Be careful when using OTC meds. Before I went to pain specialist, I took enough ibuprofin to help with the pain until I had to ER thinking I was having a heart attack. After all the test, I found out blisters were covering my stomach. This was the problem.

some doctor shy away from the very word pain. a pain specialist is educated and knows the various medications and the way they work usually they have you sign a pain contract you use only one pharmacy and if you are hurt or have to take pain medication from another doctor you have to inform them I know it sounds like a lot but they have to protect both you and also themselves please keep us posted

Hi teresa, Yes, I do know the feeling. Have you seen the doctor yet? More than likely they'll run a few tests to see what's causing the pain to radiate down the legs. Sometimes when arthritis is involved, weather can play a big difference in the level of pain. You could try soaking in hot baths, OTC pain relievers, ICY-HOT patches, massages, stretching exercises, even yoga may help. Be careful not to over do it though. Maybe your doc can refer you to a physical therapist for a while. Hopefully it isn't too serious of a condition. Everything from pinched nerves, disc degeneration, bulges, even arthritis can cause this type of pain. Be sure to get it diagnosed so you can prevent it from getting worse. Hopefully it won't but you really should see a doctor about it. If I can think of anything else, I'll repost.

seeing a doctor (perhaps a pain specialist will be the place to start) explain exactly all your symptoms and medications you are on if other the counter medications and analgesic patches applied to your back do not help then you need to know why and then you need to get the pain under control I do know that after 4 fractures in my back (compressed) I know the weather makes it and other problems worse have you tried ibuprofen, Tylenol or any of the other we all care let us know and I wish you the best

Great suggestions! In my experiences I've needed a referral to see a pain specialist. And the ones I've dealt with don't really do any diagnosis's. So when my appointment date comes, the doc already knows what the problem is, MRI results, and (usually) a prescription from my referring doctor for Epidurals, facet blocks, etc. and exactly what vertebrates are involved if it's a back issue. The pain doc administers all the injections and takes care of all the meds. But I've never had to fill my scripts at the same pharmacy. There's different "rules" from different clinics I suppose. It's always best to find a pain specialist who's a board certified anesthesiologist.I think a lot may have to do with certain laws (I'm in Illinois) and different insurance companies too. You're lucky to be able to pick whatever pain specialist you want! That's wonderful. I hope they take good care of you. Your condition is extremely painful. :-(